Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground
Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground and the Timber-Frear Area includes a 3 site rustic campground and 11 backcountry campsites scattered on 5 lakes. These lakes, along with four others, are interconnected with portages to form an excellent canoe route and camping experience outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. There is no boat launch for trailered boats at Whitefish Lake, carry down access only.
Four additional rustic campgrounds, on Toohey, Fourmile, Wilson, and Windy Lakes are nearby.
There is no garbage pick up at Whitefish Rustic Campground or Timber-Frear backcountry sites. Plan to pack out all your garbage, including fish remains from cleaning fish.
General Information
Campground Camping
- Please use facilities provided such as fire rings, tent pads, and latrines.
- Pack out all waste, do not burn paper or other garbage.
- Water from lakes must be treated, boiled, or filtered before use.
- Noise limits enforced, respect your fellow campers.
No. of Sites
3
RV Camping
Sites are pull-in and not specifically designed for RVs. Two of three sites are longer than 21 feet and may accommodate an RV. The access road to the campground can be difficult to navigate in an oversized vehicle.
Dispersed Camping
- Elbow Lake (Tofte) Backcountry Campsites
- Finger Lake Backcountry Campsite
- Frear Lake Backcountry Campsites
- Timber Lake Backcountry Campsite
The Timber-Frear Area is a canoe route with 11 backcountry campsites and 9 lakes.
Backcountry campsites are near-wilderness single-party sites and accessible only by canoe. These sites are first come, first served. There are 11 sites along this canoe route. Three of the sites can be paddled to directly from the canoe access on Whitefish Lake, the remainder must be reached by portaging.
May 10 - October 1
Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
When visiting, please remember
- Maximum of nine people per site at both campground and backcountry sites.
- At the campground, there is space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle (such as a boat trailer).
- Additional vehicles on the site must park on the spur.
- No vehicles may park on the grass or where they impede traffic.
No fees are required for this site
There are no fees at rustic campgrounds or backcountry sites
Dogs are allowed at campsites and developed recreation areas; however, they should not be allowed to run loose in recreation areas where they will disturb other forest visitors. Be mindful of the impact a barking dog can have on other forest visitors.
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
- Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Address: 7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Phone: (218) 663-8060
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Wednesday - Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, providing full services, open federal holidays when they land on a Wednesday through Sunday. Closed for all other federal holidays.
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 47.71886768
Longitude: -91.04464322
Directions
From MN 61 northeast of Schroeder:
- Between Schroeder and the entrance to Temperance River State Park, turn inland on FR 343 (Temperance River Rd.)
- Drive 4 miles to a T intersection with FR 166 (The "600" Road).
- Turn left, drive 1 mile to FR 346.
- Turn right on FR 346. Drive 5.5 miles to FR 170 (The Grade).
- Turn left on FR 170. Drive 2 miles to FR 348 (Whitefish Lake Access).
- Turn right on FR 348. Drive 4.5 miles to Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground.
Parking
Parking for people using the backcountry sites is at the carry down boat access at Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Outhouse (vault style) at campground, wilderness latrines at backcountry sites
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
No potable water available – lake water must be treated
Recreation Opportunities
Recreation Groups
Many lakes in the Tofte Ranger District have boat ramps and docks suitable for launching a trailered boat. These lakes are open for use by motorized
The Timber-Frear Canoe Route (named for Timber and Frear Lakes) links seven lakes with seven portages for a memorable canoe route and camping experience.